Monday, May 21, 2012

Sit down and sing

I stood in the front row and lifted my voice strong and
loud. The last note like an explanation point to say “wasn’t that fantastic.” I
beamed. The audience applauded. My fellow singers patted me on the back and
showered me with accolades of praise.

My name is Merrie and I’m addicted to praise.

I was fourteen when the above musical scene took place and
continued for another six years. The attention getting slap in the face came
when I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Sit down and sing.”

“What? I am singing.” I sank into my seat among the sopranos
of the small choir.

“It’s time you stop using the gift of singing I gave you for
your own credit, and instead use it as I intended for My glory.” His voice was
loud and clear in my heart.

My heart died—my identity died—but I sat down. Over the next
couple of years, I grew to understand what I had done wrong. My singing changed
from soloist to participant. I learned to sing for Him, about Him and to
Him…and He gave me more.

“‘God is against the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.’ So give
yourselves completely to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run
from you.”

James 4:6-7 ncv

The ugly side of my “Love Language”—words of affirmation—is
self-esteem, and I don’t mean poor self-esteem, but rather the kind which
esteems one’s self. I thrive on words of affirmation to confirm I’m doing a
good job or am going in the right direction. Sadly, for too long, I allowed the
compliments to exalt me rather than affirm and confirm the job I was doing.

Therefore, it is necessary for me to put the
“words” given from others in the right place and not let them breed pride. I
must remove the thoughts of glory from myself and praise the Lord instead. I thank Him for the
“words” as affirmation/confirmation.

“Whoever
exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:12 nasb

Once the Spirit completed this singing
lesson, He allowed me to sing solos again with a much stronger voice. For fear of a repeat lesson, I learned to accept
compliments with a humble "thank you and praise the Lord."

The lesson continues as I write today. I pray for every word and give God the glory for every piece accepted
for publication.

I do not write for your applause…I write for you to applaud
the King of kings and Lord of lords…to God be the glory!

The attention getting slap in the face. I know it. He is a jealous God. But more than that, He deserves all the credit! And one day He will be glorified beyond all that we can now conceive! Beautiful post, my friend. Soli Deo Gloria!